CMU football wins against Ball State in nail-biter ending
After being down four points with only 58 seconds left in the game, Central Michigan football was looking for an opportunity to take the lead against Ball State on Saturday.
It all came from wide receiver Evan Boyd with a 34-yard play, moving the Chippewas down the field. As the time ticked down and the stadium was on edge, quarterback Joe Labas connected with wide receiver Chris Parker in the end zone to put CMU up 37-34.
That’s how the game would end as Ball State couldn’t find the end zone in its final drive, giving the Chippewas a 2-0 record at home.
Overall, CMU stands 2-2 and is now 1-0 in Mid-American Conference play.
“I just can't tell you how happy I am for our players,” head coach Jim McElwain said. “That's what I'm really happy about. You know, we played ugly, we gave them a whole bunch and yet figured out a way to win the ball game.”
Starting at quarterback was Labas; however, the Chippewas rotated quarterbacks throughout the game, giving quarterback Bert Emanuel Jr. his first start of the season. Emanuel Jr. made the most of his opportunities, scoring three total touchdowns.
“It was an amazing feeling,” Emanuel Jr. said. “I haven’t really been playing since last season so it’s just great to be out there with the guys and get a win.”
Ball State got an early lead, kicking a field goal eight minutes into the first quarter. While the Chippewas failed to get on the board, Ball State capitalized on CMU’s stagnant offense with a touchdown late in the first quarter to put it up 10.
The second quarter saw CMU finally spark to life. After a blocked punt by Ball State, CMU's defense held strong, forcing a turnover on downs.
“Our special teams, we lost the ball a couple times in the sun,” McElwain said. “And that's what happened on the kickoff returns, and then you give up a blocked punt, those are no no's in our business.”
Emanuel Jr. entered the game and immediately made an impact, rushing for a 20-yard touchdown that narrowed the deficit to 10-7.
Five minutes later, running back Nahree Biggins had a 76-yard run, setting up another touchdown opportunity. This time Emanuel Jr. found Parker, putting CMU ahead 14-10.
“This gave me a lot of confidence,” Emanuel Jr. said. “Especially since I’ve been out the first couple of games. Now we’re starting to get back into conference play and I just hope we can continue off this.”
Lukes gave CMU more momentum when he got in for another score, marking his first touchdown of the season.
The Chippewas had 335 rushing yards over Ball State’s 146, exceeding their game average of 192 this season. Leading the charge was senior running back BJ Harris who had 151 yards rushing.
Despite a blocked extra point, CMU led 20-10. However, Ball State responded with a late second-quarter touchdown, tightening the score to 20-17 just before the half.
The third quarter opened with Ball State reclaiming the lead, scoring on a fourth down conversion to go up 24-23. CMU’s offense stumbled with a fumble from Lukes, but the Chippewa defense kept them in the game with a key sack by linebacker Dakota Cochran.
Despite the prominent offensive struggles, CMU managed to keep the score within reach as the game headed into the final quarter.
CMU freshman Bryce Rowe made a standout tackle early in the fourth quarter, forcing Ball State to settle for a field goal, extending their lead to 27-23.
Another overlooked standout was linebacker Jordan Kwiatkowski who had 15 tackles, nine of which were solo. This season so far, he holds 37 tackles, a career-high for the junior.
“I feel great,” Kwiatkowski said. “But all thanks to the people in front of me. They really controlled their gaps and allowed me to make plays. I just did my job and did what I had to do.”
Emanuel Jr. secured another touchdown on 16-yard rush, putting CMU back on top 30-27 with just over five minutes remaining.
As time wound down, Ball State responded with a touchdown drive, taking a 34-30 lead with under a minute left.
With the game on the line, CMU turned to the offense as Labas delivered the game-winning touchdown pass to Parker, sealing a 37-34 victory for the Chippewas.
“(The ball) was too high so I knew we were going to swamp it,” Parker said. “Joe was going to change my corner to a post, so I gave him a little fake outside, went back inside and scored…I wouldn’t say it’s a breakout game, I’ll just say it’s the beginning of something for sure.”
The Chippewas return to Kelly/Shorts Stadium on Saturday to take on San Diego State University at 3:30 p.m.
